Professional Documents
Culture Documents
nVent.com/ERICO | 1
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 1
Always wear protective safety glasses and gloves
while working with Cadweld
exothermic welding products.
Fig. 2
Gather the proper materials and equipment for the type of
connection you are making. The typical Cadweld system requires
a graphite mold, handle clamp, welding material, natural bristle
brush for mold cleaning, wire brush for cleaning/preparing
conductors, flint igniter, and propane torch.
NOTE: Additional materials may be required for your specific
application. Refer to your mold instructions. Advise nearby
personnel of welding operations in the area prior to ignition.
Fig. 3
Check to ensure the graphite mold is not worn or broken, which
could cause leakage of molten weld metal during the reaction.
2 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 4
Inspect the mold ID tag to ensure that it corresponds to the
application, indicated by the:
1. mold part number
2. conductor size
3. welding material required
4. other materials required
The mold must be correct for the conductor size and application.
DO NOT MODIFY MOLDS.
Fig. 5
Remove the small wire bracket which is used to temporarily hold
the mold together before using. Set the bracket aside.
Fig. 6
Slide the handle clamp into the pre-drilled holes with the proper
orientation for the thumbscrews.
nVent.com/ERICO | 3
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 7
Tighten the clamp thumbscrews onto the mold.
Fig. 8
Close the grips to tightly lock the mold. Check for an appropriate
seal on the mold.
Fig. 9
If the mold does not seal properly, make adjustments to tighten/
loosen the handle clamp.
4 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 10
Graphite absorbs moisture. Ignite the propane torch and dry out
the inside of the mold thoroughly on both sides, heating the mold
to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
Fig. 11
The conductors should be clean and dry before the connection
is made. Use a propane torch to dry wire conductors and remove
remaining cleaning residue, solvent, or water before making the
Cadweld connection.
Fig. 12
Next, use a wire brush to further prepare the surface of the
conductors (nVent ERICO T-313 or T-314 brush). Scrape the outer
surface to remove dirt and oxidation. You will notice a slight color
change.
nVent.com/ERICO | 5
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 13
Insert the conductors and position them for the connection.
Fig. 14
Close the clamp tightly once the conductors are properly
positioned.
Fig. 15
Steel disk found inside the packaging box of welding material.
6 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 16
Insert the steel disk (concave side up) into the mold. Hold the
steel disk on the side of the mold and let it slide into place.
Fig. 17
Ensure that the steel disk is properly seated.
Fig. 18
Next, take a tube of properly sized welding material
(as identified on the mold ID tag) out of the box.
nVent.com/ERICO | 7
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 19
Remove the lid over the mold crucible.
Fig. 20
Quickly pour the loose welding material powder into the mold.
Fig. 21
The bottom of the tube contains compressed material
(starting material). Tap the bottom of the tube a couple of times
to loosen this material.
8 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 22
Pour 1/4 to 1/3 of the starting material over the welding material
in the mold crucible.
Fig. 23
Close the lid and pour the remaining 3/4 to 2/3 of the starting
material into the slot on the mold cover.
NOTE: Welding material is an exothermic mixture and reacts
to produce hot molten material with temperatures in excess
of 2500 degrees Fahrenheit (1400 degrees Celsius) and a
localized release of smoke. Avoid looking directly at the “flash”
of light from ignition of starting material. Avoid inhalation of
smoke/fumes.
Fig. 24
Aiming the flint igniter from the side, ignite the starting material
on the mold cover. Withdraw the igniter quickly to prevent fouling.
Allow approximately 30 seconds for completion of the reaction
and solidification of the molten material.
nVent.com/ERICO | 9
The Cadweld Process
Fig. 25
Open the mold and remove the connection. Use care to prevent
chipping the mold. Avoid contact with hot materials. See the
“Cadweld Quality Standards” section to see whether a quality
connection has been made.
Fig. 26
Completed Cadweld connection.
Fig. 27
Cadweld graphite molds will last approximately 50 connections.
Use a soft cotton cloth or a soft bristle brush (nVent ERICO part
#T394) to clean inside the mold cavity and cover.
Fig. 28
Ready to make another Cadweld connection.
10 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 1
Always wear protective safety glasses and gloves
while working with Cadweld Plus exothermic products.
Fig. 2
Prepare the proper materials and equipment for the type of
connection you are making. The Cadweld Plus system requires a
graphite mold, mold clamp, Cadweld Plus welding material cup,
natural bristle brush for mold cleaning, wire brush for cleaning/
preparing conductors, control unit, and propane torch.
NOTE: Additional materials may be required for your specific
application. Refer to your mold instructions. Advise nearby
personnel of welding operations in the area prior to ignition.
Fig. 3
Check to ensure the graphite mold is not worn or broken, which
could cause leakage of molten weld metal during the reaction.
nVent.com/ERICO | 11
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 4
Inspect the mold ID tag to ensure that it corresponds to the
application, indicated by the:
1. mold part number
2. conductor size
3. welding material required
4. other materials required
The mold must be correct for the conductor size and application.
DO NOT MODIFY MOLDS.
Fig. 5
Remove the small wire bracket which is used to temporarily hold
the mold together before using. Set the bracket aside.
Fig. 6
Slide the handle clamp into the pre-drilled holes with the proper
orientation for the thumbscrews.
12 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 7
Tighten the clamp thumbscrews onto the mold.
Fig. 8
Close the grips to tightly lock the mold. Check for an appropriate
seal on the mold.
Fig. 9
If the mold does not seal properly, ake adjustments to tighten/
loosen the handle clamp.
nVent.com/ERICO | 13
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 10
Graphite absorbs moisture. Ignite the propane torch and dry out
the inside of the mold thoroughly on both sides, heating the mold
to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
Fig. 11
The conductors should be clean and dry before the connection
is made. Use a propane torch to dry wire conductors and remove
remaining cleaning residue, solvent, or water before making the
Cadweld connection.
Fig. 12
Next, use a wire brush to further prepare the surface of the
conductors (nVent ERICO T-313 or T-314 brush). Scrape the outer
surface to remove dirt and oxidation. You will notice a slight color
change.
14 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 13
Insert the conductors and position them for the connection.
Fig. 14
Close the clamp tightly once the conductors are properly
positioned.
Fig. 15
Remove the proper Cadweld Plus welding material cup from the
plastic container. Inspect the cup to ensure it is tightly sealed and
the ignition strip is securely attached to the seal.
nVent.com/ERICO | 15
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 16
Place the cup into the top of the mold. Make sure the ignition strip
nests into the recess on the top edge when the cover is closed.
Fig. 17
Battery powered control unit.
Fig. 18
Place the ignition strip into the control unit connector. Remove or
protect fire hazards in close proximity to the connection.
16 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 19
Close the graphite mold lid. Advise nearby personnel of welding
operations in the area.
Fig. 20
Using the control unit, press the button and hold, while you
observe the “ready” indicator light. A green light will blink for a few
seconds and then will change to a constant light. At this time, the
unit will send a charge to the ignition strip. The ignition strip will
spark inside the metal cup, initiating the Cadweld Plus exothermic
reaction.
Allow approximately 30 seconds for completion of the reaction
and solidification of the molten material.
Fig. 21
Remove the control unit connector from the ignition strip.
Open the lid and remove the used Cadweld Plus cup
from the mold.
nVent.com/ERICO | 17
The Cadweld Plus Process
Fig. 22
Open the mold and remove the connection. Use care to prevent
chipping the mold. Avoid contact with hot materials. See the
“Cadweld Quality Standards” section to see whether a quality
connection has been made.
Fig. 23
Completed Cadweld connection.
Fig. 24
Cadweld graphite molds will last approximately 50 connections.
Use a soft cotton cloth or a soft bristle brush (nVent ERICO part
#T394) to clean inside the mold cavity and cover.
Fig. 25
Ready to make another Cadweld connection.
18 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Exolon Process
Fig. 1
Always wear protective safety glasses and gloves while working
with Cadweld exothermic products.
Fig. 2
Prepare the proper materials and equipment for the type of
connection you are making. The Cadweld Exolon system requires
a Cadweld Exolon graphite mold, handle clamp, welding material,
wire brush for cleaning/preparing conductors, battery pack, and
propane torch.
NOTE: Additional materials may be required for your specific
application. Refer to your mold instructions. Advise nearby
personnel of welding operations in the area prior to ignition.
Fig. 3
Check to ensure the graphite mold is not worn or broken, which
could cause leakage of molten weld metal during the reaction.
nVent.com/ERICO | 19
The Cadweld Exolon Process
Fig. 4
Inspect the mold ID tag to ensure that it corresponds
to the application, indicated by the:
1. mold part number
2. conductor size
3. welding material required
4. other materials required
The mold must be correct for the conductor size and application.
DO NOT MODIFY MOLDS.
Fig. 5
Remove the small wire bracket which is used to temporarily hold
the mold together before using. Set the bracket aside.
Fig. 6
Slide the handle clamp into the pre-drilled holes with the proper
orientation for the thumbscrews.
20 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Exolon Process
Fig. 7
Tighten the clamp thumbscrews onto the mold.
Fig. 8
Close the grips to tightly lock the mold. Check for an appropriate
seal on the mold.
Fig. 9
If the mold does not seal properly, make adjustments to the
handle clamp.
Fig. 10
Graphite absorbs moisture. Ignite the propane torch and dry out
the inside of the mold thoroughly on both sides, heating the mold
to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
nVent.com/ERICO | 21
The Exolon Process
Fig. 11
The conductors should be clean and dry before the connection
is made. Use a propane torch to dry wire conductors and remove
remaining cleaning residue, solvent, or water before making the
Cadweld connection.
Fig. 12
Next, use a wire brush to further prepare the surface of the
conductors and ground rod (nVent ERICO T-313 or T-314 brush).
Scrape the outer surface to remove dirt and oxidation.
You will notice a slight color change.
Fig. 13
Weld metal package (includes welding material, discs, filters and
ignitors for 4 connections).
22 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Exolon Process
Fig. 14
Each Exolon package contains 2 filters for a low emission
connection. Insert the white ceramic and black graphite
filters into the mold cover. (Filters must be changed every
4 connections.)
NOTE: If using XL200 welding material or higher, 3 filters
(1 white, 2 black) are included in the weld metal package.
Insert the white filter between the black filters.
Fig. 15
Insert the conductors and position them for the connection.
Fig. 16
Close the clamp tightly once the conductors are properly
positioned.
nVent.com/ERICO | 23
The Cadweld Exolon Process
Fig. 17
Steel disk found inside the packaging box of welding material.
Fig. 18
Insert the steel disk (concave side up) into the mold. Hold the
steel disk on the side of the mold and let it slide into place.
Fig. 19
Ensure that the steel disk is properly seated.
Fig. 20
Next, take the tube of welding material included in the
Cadweld Exolon package and remove the lid over
the mold crucible.
24 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Exolon Process
Fig. 21
Quickly pour the loose welding material powder into the
Cadweld Exolon mold.
NOTE: Welding material is an exothermic mixture and reacts
to produce hot molten material with temperatures in excess
of 2500 degrees Fahrenheit (1400 degrees Celsius) and a
localized release of smoke. Avoid direct eye contact with “flash”
of light from ignition of starting material. Avoid inhalation of
smoke/fumes.
Fig. 22
Place the graphite Cadweld Exolon cover onto the mold, with the
larger side facing down.
Fig. 23
Next, take an igniter pin and place it halfway into the small hole
on the side of the mold, with the loop side facing into the hole.
Spread the wire leads.
nVent.com/ERICO | 25
The Cadweld Exolon Process
Fig. 24
Cadweld Exolon battery pack.
Fig. 25
Take the alligator clips and clip them onto the wire leads. Remove
or protect fire hazards in close proximity to the connection.
Advise nearby personnel of welding operations in the area.
Fig. 26
Using the Cadweld Exolon battery pack, press the button. At this
time, the unit will send a charge to the igniter pin. The igniter pin
will initiate the Cadweld Exolon exothermic reaction.
Allow approximately 30 seconds for completion of the reaction
and solidification of the molten material.
Fig. 27
Remove the alligator clips from the igniter pin. Remove the
graphite cover of the Cadweld Exolon mold.
26 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Exolon Process
Fig. 28
Open the mold and remove the connection. Use care to prevent
chipping the mold. Avoid contact with hot materials. See the
“Cadweld Quality Standards” section to see whether a quality
connection has been made.
Fig. 29
Completed Cadweld connection.
Fig. 30
Cadweld Exolon graphite molds will last approximately 50
connections. Use a soft cotton cloth or a soft bristle brush (nVent
ERICO part #T394) to clean inside the mold cavity and cover;
remove any slag left from the exothermic reaction.
Fig. 31
Ready to make another Cadweld connection.
nVent.com/ERICO | 27
The Cadweld One Shot Process
Fig. 1
Always wear protective safety glasses and gloves while working
with Cadweld exothermic products.
Fig. 2
Gather the proper materials and equipment for the type of
connection you are making. The Cadweld One Shot system
requires a Cadweld One Shot ceramic mold, welding material, wire
brush for cleaning/preparing conductors, flint igniter, and propane
torch.
NOTE: Additional materials may be required for your specific
application. Refer to your mold instructions. Advise nearby personnel of
welding operations in the area prior to ignition.
Fig. 3
Check to ensure the ceramic mold is not broken, which could
cause leakage of molten weld metal during the reaction.
Inspect the Cadweld One Shot box label to ensure that it
corresponds to the application, indicated by the:
1. Cadweld One Shot part number
2. conductor size
3. welding material required
4. other materials required
The mold must be correct for the conductor size and application.
DO NOT MODIFY MOLDS.
28 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld One Shot Process
Fig. 4
The conductors should be clean and dry before the connection
is made. Use a propane torch to dry wire conductors and remove
remaining cleaning residue, solvent, or water before making the
Cadweld One Shot connection.
Fig. 5
Next, use a wire brush to further prepare the surface of the
conductors and ground rod (Cadweld T-313 or
T-314 brush).
Scrape the outer surface to remove dirt and oxidation.
You will notice a slight color change.
Fig. 6
Each Cadweld One Shot contains a rubber grommet
at the bottom of the mold.
Gently turn the Cadweld One Shot onto the ground
rod until the ground rod reaches the stopper and cannot go
any further.
nVent.com/ERICO | 29
The Cadweld One Shot Process
Fig. 7
Insert the conductors and position them for the connection.
Fig. 8
Place the steel disk into the Cadweld One Shot
with the concave side facing up.
Fig. 9
Ensure that the steel disk is properly seated inside the
Cadweld One Shot.
Fig. 10
Next, take the tube of welding material included in the
Cadweld One Shot package and remove the lid
over the crucible.
30 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld One Shot Process
Fig. 11
Quickly pour the loose welding material powder into the
Cadweld One Shot mold.
Fig. 12
Place the cover on the top of the Cadweld One Shot.
Fig. 13
The bottom of the tube contains compressed material
(starting material). Tap the bottom of the tube a couple of
times to loosen this material.
Fig. 14
Pour the starting material onto the Cadweld One Shot cover.
NOTE: Welding material is an exothermic mixture and reacts to produce
hot molten material with temperatures in excess of 2500 degrees
Fahrenheit (1400 degrees Celsius) and a localized release of smoke.
Avoid direct eye contact with “flash” of light from ignition of starting
material. Avoid inhalation of smoke/fumes.
nVent.com/ERICO | 31
The Cadweld One Shot Process
Fig. 15
Aiming the flint igniter from the side, ignite the starting material
on the mold cover. Withdraw the igniter quickly to prevent fouling.
Allow approximately 30 seconds for completion of the reaction
and solidification of the molten material.
Fig. 16
Break the ceramic Cadweld One Shot mold off of the connection.
Avoid contact with hot materials. See the “Cadweld Quality
Standards” section to see whether a quality connection has been
made.
Fig. 17
You are ready to make another Cadweld One Shot connection.
32 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Plus One Shot Process
Fig. 1
Always wear protective safety glasses and gloves while working
with Cadweld exothermic products.
Fig. 2
Prepare the proper materials and equipment for the type of
connection you are making. The Cadweld Plus One Shot system
requires a Cadweld One Shot ceramic mold, Cadweld Plus
welding material, wire brush for cleaning/preparing conductors,
control unit, and propane torch.
NOTE: Additional materials may be required for your specific
application. Refer to your mold instructions.
Fig. 3
Check to ensure the ceramic mold is not worn or broken, which
could cause leakage of molten weld metal during the reaction.
Inspect the Cadweld Plus One Shot box label to ensure that it
corresponds to the application, indicated by the:
1. Cadweld Plus One Shot part number
2. conductor size
3. welding material required
4. other materials required
The mold must be correct for the conductor
size and application. DO NOT MODIFY MOLDS.
nVent.com/ERICO | 33
The Cadweld Plus One Shot Process
Fig. 4
The conductors should be clean and dry before the connection
is made. Use a propane torch to dry wire conductors and remove
remaining cleaning residue, solvent, or water before making the
Cadweld connection.
Fig. 5
Next, use a wire brush to further prepare the surface of
the conductors and ground rod (nVent ERICO T-313 or
T-314 brush).
Scrape the outer surface to remove dirt and oxidation.
You will notice a slight color change.
Fig. 6
Each Cadweld Plus One Shot contains a copper wire at the
bottom of the mold.
Place the mold onto the ground rod until the ground rod reaches
the wire stopper and cannot go any further.
34 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Plus One Shot Process
Fig. 7
Insert the conductors and position them for the connection.
Fig. 8
Inspect the cup to ensure it is tightly sealed and the ignition strip
is securely attached to the seal.
Fig. 9
Place the welding material cup into the top of the mold. Make sure
the ignition strip nests into the recess on the top edge.
Fig. 10
Place the ceramic lid onto the mold.
nVent.com/ERICO | 35
The Cadweld Plus One Shot Process
Fig. 11
Battery powered control unit.
Fig. 12
Place the ignition strip into the control unit connector. Remove or
protect fire hazards in close proximity to the connection. Advise
nearby personnel of welding operations in the area.
Fig. 13
Using the control unit, press the button and hold, while you
observe the “ready” indicator light. A green light will blink for a
few seconds and then will change to a constant light. At this
time, the unit will send a charge to the ignition strip. The ignition
strip will spark inside the metal cup, activating the Cadweld Plus
exothermic reaction.
Allow approximately 30 seconds for completion of the reaction
and solidification of the molten material.
36 | nVent.com/ERICO
The Cadweld Plus One Shot Process
Fig. 14
Remove and dispose of the used Cadweld Plus weld metal cup.
Fig. 15
Break the ceramic Cadweld One Shot mold off of the connection.
Avoid contact with hot materials. See the “Cadweld Quality
Standards” section to see whether a quality connection has been
made.
Fig. 16
You are ready to make another Cadweld connection.
nVent.com/ERICO | 37
Cadweld Quality Standards
All Cadweld materials are produced to high standards under
stringent quality control. All Cadweld connections are designed and
tested using Cadweld molds, welding materials, and accessories.
In the absence of any standards, national or international, we
cannot accurately predict the individual product standards of
our competition, either known or unknown. Therefore, mixing of
one manufacturer’s molds with another manufacturer’s welding
materials can predictably lead to finished welds that do not
meet the standards of either manufacturer. After all, one of the
advantages of exothermic welding as a welding process is the
fact that it is pre-engineered.
Specifications for Cadweld Connections
All grounding system connections shall be made by the Cadweld
process. Connections shall include, but not be limited to, all cable
to cable splices, T’s, X’s, etc.; all cable to ground rods, ground rod
splices, cable to steel and cast iron; and cable lug terminations.
Procedures listed in all Cadweld instructions shall be followed.
Molds shall not be altered in the field.
All materials used (molds, welding material, tools, accessories,
etc.) shall be Cadweld materials, manufactured by nVent ERICO.
Materials of different manufacturers shall not be mixed.
A Cadweld mold is designed to last for an average of 50
connections. This will vary according to the care given the mold
during use.
Inspect the mold regularly. Check the following items to
determine if a mold should be replaced:
38 | nVent.com/ERICO
Cadweld Quality Standards
Chip in mold
parting face
Mold parting
Tap hole
face has
well defined
erosion lines
Chip in weld
cavity
Weld cavity
well defined Cable opening
worn
Good Replace
Cable Opening
• The conductor should fit snugly. A loose fit will cause leakage.
• The opening should not be chipped or worn.
Weld Cavity
• The cavity should be well defined.
• There should be no chips or gouges.
Tap Hole
• The tap hole should be well defined.
Disk Seat
• The seat should not be worn or chipped; the disk must seat
properly.
Mold Parting Face
• The parting face should not be chipped.
• The parting face should always be cleaned properly. Use a clean
shop towel or newspaper and wipe clean. Using a wire brush to
clean the mold will cause erosion and quickly destroy the mold.
nVent.com/ERICO | 39
Cadweld Quality Standards
Strands showing
(below weld level)
Unacceptable
40 | nVent.com/ERICO
Cadweld Quality Standards
Normal
Minimum acceptable
Type VS
Normal
Minimum acceptable
Type GT
Minimum acceptable
Type SS
nVent.com/ERICO | 41
Cadweld Quality Standards
INSPECTION OF
CADWELD CONNECTIONS
GENER AL INDICATORS (CONTINUED)
Color
The color of a Cadweld connection is best seen after a light wire
brushing of the connection. It should normally be gold to bronze
in color. Occasionally, it may be silvery at the top. This silver color
indicates “tin sweat” of the surface, a normal condition.
A Cadweld connection to cast iron or galvanized surfaces is often
silvery due to alloying with the metals.
Surface Finish
The surface of a Cadweld connection should be reasonably
smooth and free of major slag deposits. If slag deposits cover
more than 20% of the connection surface, or if any cable strands
are exposed after slag has been removed, the connection must
be rejected.
Porosity
The connection should be essentially free from porosity.
Excessive porosity is normally the result of contaminants
(water, oil, dirt, etc.) in the conductor and/or mold. A few small
pinholes may be present on the surface of the riser. The depth of
a pinhole must never extend beyond the center of the conductor.
To check the depth, probe the pinhole with a 1/32-in.-diameter
wire (paper clip). Reject the connection if the depth of the pinhole
extends beyond the center of the conductor.
42 | nVent.com/ERICO
Cadweld Quality Standards
INSPECTION OF
CADWELD CONNECTIONS
VISUAL INSPECTION
Photographic Guides
Like all electrical connections, a visual inspection is no guarantee
of performance. Crimped or bolted connections cannot be
inspected visually, but Cadweld connections can be visually
inspected and provide an indication of the quality of the weld.
Visual inspection is recommended as a practical minimum.
Use the photographs on the following pages as a guide to visual
inspection. Cadweld connections are normally rated as good,
acceptable or reject.
A good connection is a normal weld with only minor surface
imperfections.
An acceptable connection is a less than normal weld, but a good
performing weld. Imperfections indicate that 1) a new mold is
required, 2) a change in procedure is necessary, or 3) the proper
mold conductor and/or welding material should be used.
A reject connection shows inadequate fill or an extra high
riser due to 1) use of incorrect procedure, 2) use of incorrect
equipment and/or equipment worn beyond its useful life, or 3)
use of incorrect material.
nVent.com/ERICO | 43
Cadweld Quality Standards
INSPECTION OF
CADWELD CONNECTIONS
PHOTOGR APHIC GUIDES
Good.
A solid weld with only minor surface imperfections.
Acceptable.
Fill is lower than normal, but still sufficient.
Reject.
A worn or incorrect mold was used, allowing leakage around
conductor. The fill in this connection is insufficient to allow it as
acceptable. Replacement of mold is required prior to making next
connection.
44 | nVent.com/ERICO
Cadweld Quality Standards
Acceptable.
The presence of water/moisture in conductor strands or mold
indicates that one or both were not properly dried. Although the
riser is porous, the weld is solid. The degree of porosity is not
sufficient to reject this connection.
Reject.
Extreme amounts of slag on surface are caused by welding
material leaking past disk or complete lack of disk. Inspect the
condition of mold disk seat and check disk positioning prior to
making the next connection.
Reject.
Excessive water in cable strands and/or mold.
nVent.com/ERICO | 45
Cadweld Quality Standards
INSPECTION OF
CADWELD CONNECTIONS
PHOTOGR APHIC GUIDES (CONTINUED)
Reject.
Light carbon traces on cable and connection are evidence of oil
on cable strands. Oily cables must be cleaned with safety solvent.
Reject.
Heavy carbon coating on cable and connection is evidence of large
amounts of oil or grease on cable. Cable must be cleaned with
safety solvent.
46 | nVent.com/ERICO
Cadweld Quality Standards
Reject.
Fill too low. Weld cavity was not filled over cable strands. “Fins”
indicate that the mold was not closed tightly due to incorrect
mold, incorrectly adjusted handle clamp, or presence of foreign
material in mold parting line. Before making the next connection,
check the mold for each of the above.
Reject.
Fill too low. Weld cavity was not filled over cable strands.
Absence of leakage indicates that welding material size was
incorrect (too small) or thru conductor moved.
nVent.com/ERICO | 47
Cadweld Quality Standards
PROBLEM A
PROBLEM B
PROBLEM C
1. See Problem D.
48 | nVent.com/ERICO
Cadweld Quality Standards
PROBLEM D
PROBLEM E
nVent.com/ERICO | 49
Cadweld Quality Standards
Field Situation Guide (continued)
(b) Check to be sure gap is centered under tap hole.
NOTE: In some cases, the run (thru) conductor must be cut
and gapped. Follow instructions for same or use Cadweld
Heavy Duty molds.
PROBLEM F
PROBLEM G
PROBLEM I
50 | nVent.com/ERICO
Cadweld Quality Standards
Remedy:
(a) See Problem F.
(b) See Problem G.
(c) See Problem H.
4. Conductor movement.
PROBLEM J
PROBLEM K
PROBLEM L
When welding to steel, the weld does not “stick” to the steel.
Remedy:
1. lean the steel with a rasp or grinder to bright metal.
C
When grinding, use an nVent ERICO approved grinding
wheel only. All mill scale, paint, and/or other coating must
be removed. Wire brushing will NOT suffice. Grease must be
removed with safety solvent before cleaning.
2. Clean galvanized surfaces with a wire brush or emery cloth.
However, extra heavy galvanized steel must be cleaned with
a rasp.
3. If the steel is moist, heat with a torch (from the back side
if possible). Any carbon deposit from the flame must be
removed.
4. If conductors are not in proper position, check the
instruction sheet.
nVent.com/ERICO | 51
Cadweld Quality Standards
Field Situation Guide (continued)
PROBLEM M
When welding to ductile iron or cast iron, the weld does not
“stick” to the surface.
Remedy:
52 | nVent.com/ERICO
Our powerful portfolio of brands:
nVent.com/ERICO
©2018 nVent. All nVent marks and logos are owned or licensed by nVent Services
GmbH or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
nVent reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
ERICO-CAT-E1294W-E297LT17WW-EN-1805